Gant Rugger Designer Christopher Bastin on his Favorite Things

Christopher Bastin, head designer of Gant's downtown prep line Rugger, flew in from Stockholm this week to help open the world's first Rugger store on Bleeker Street in New York's West Village. The well decorated outlet, loosely based on the brand's original New Haven, Connecticut factory, may be small in size, but it's big on product. We had Bastin walk us through the summer collection and pick out his essentials.

1. Hopsack Blazer, $495

"It's kind of your perfect companion—carry it with you all the time because you never know when you'll need it. Plus, the story of how we discovered the 25-year-old brass buttons in our archives, and then used them on the blazer is the perfect ice breaker."

2. Retro Striped Polo, $89

"I love the chest stripe on this shirt. I based it on a 1979 Rugger model that was originally made in polyester, but this shirt is 100 percent cotton, and those are real mother of pearl buttons. Pair it with cut-off shorts and then go for a ride with the windows down."

3. Madras Shirt, $110

"It's great for hot summer days when all you want to do is escape the city. It can go from the beach to dinner, especially if you throw on a blazer."